The Addiction We Do Talk About

 

Today, I am writing about a topic that might make some uncomfortable, but I think it important to consider:   pornography.   If you do not want to read this, feel free to stop now.    If you choose to continue reading,   I believe I have something important for some people to hear.     As some of you know that might be reading this,   I am not only an ordained pastor but also a licensed clinical mental health counselor in NC and a licensed professional counselor in SC.    While I am not serving as pastor at a church at this time,   I continue to serve via virtual counseling.    In the last few years,   I have seen a number of persons who were struggling with an addiction to pornography.    There are several things these persons have in common.     First, they are all male ranging in age from their early 20’s to their late 60’s.     Secondly,   they all confess to be Christians.   Most of these men are heavily involved in their church.    I certainly did not seek out to counsel persons about pornography, but God is giving me that opportunity. 

I remember many years ago going to a home to visit a home.   As I knocked on the door,   I could hear some noise inside.   Despite the knocks,  no one came.    At a later time,  I saw the occupant of that home.      The man acknowledged that he knew that I stopped by, but he did not answer the door because he was looking at a movie laced with pornography on his television.     I share that anecdote to illustrate that pornography is easily accessible in the world we live in today.  Some of you perhaps remember a time when pornography was something that one encountered at a x-rated movie theatre or via a magazine that came to your home in a manila envelope or you skimmed at a local store.   Now, pornography can be encountered on social media, web sites, and the like with ease on a smart phone or other devices.    Of course,   there are many things on television via movies, ads, and television shows that certainly have sexual content. 

There are many people that think that pornography is harmless since it is something that can be easily done in the privacy or comfort of their own home.      One of my clients once thought that, but now sees things differently as he seeks to break free from porn.    The reason why I am writing this blog post on what some perhaps find an uncomfortable topic is this:   porn can and does hurt others.     Pornography can and does harm relationships.    I have encountered clients that stated that their marriage or relationship was troubled since their wife or girlfriend found out they were looking at pornography.    I have worked with clients whose marriage ended in divorce principally because of their pornography addiction.  I also have worked with clients that lost their jobs because their employer discovered them viewing pornography in their workplace.   

If pornography is a part of your life,  I earnestly encourage you to get help and to quit fooling yourself that it is harming no one.   Please get help.    I do not think that God wants pornography to be a part of your life.   Perhaps you know someone important in your life who is struggling with pornography.      Feel free to reach out to me and I will be happy to offer a few things that might help you.    Thanks for reading.    God bless.-  Pastor Randy Wall

 

PRAYER --  O God,  I pray for all those who are struggling today with addictions including those who struggle with pornography.   Grant them a willingness to find strength and a new direction in you;  through Christ our Lord.    Amen.